9 Chic Shoe Rules

I found this article from Harper’s Bazar earlier and thought I should share with my fellow “shoemans”.

It’s no secret that women adore shoes. When you are blue,buying a new pair is an instant mood lifter. When you feel great,you make a trip to the shoe store in celebration. And on specialoccasions, you must have something special to wear. The truth is,there will always be a good excuse to add to your shoe closet. Hereare 9 tips on expressing your personal style — through your footwear.

1. Don’t Be Hobbled by Discomfort Even if youlove a pair, if you can’t walk in them, don’t buy them.Limping around in heels is decidedly ungraceful.

2. Dare to Wear Brights An electric hue can amp upa look, including outfits in colors other than black and denim. Trycolored shoes with white, khaki, and pastels. A scarlet-red dress,however, calls for neutral footwear.

3. Wear What’s Appropriate Open-toe sandalsmay be too risqué for a conservative suit, while a flat may be toocasual for a cocktail frock. Keep your sneakers relegated to gymclothes or casual jeans. When in doubt, it’s hard to go wrongwith a classic black pump.

4. Going Outdoors? Say No to Stilettos

It will be difficult towalk when your heels keep sinking into the ground, and you’llruin your shoes. Flats are fine, but if you want height, wedges arean ideal option.

5. Make a Statement A spindly stiletto sandal is all aboutlooking sexy, while a bow-emblazoned kitten heel veers more towardcute. Know what look you’re going for, and go fullout.

6. Va-va-voom Shoes Have Their Place Nighttime is theright time for attention-getting shoes. If you still want to wear aknock-’em-dead look during the day, choose a closed-toe orpeep-toe pump.

7. Pair Sky-High Shoes with Tame HemlinesWhen going for major air, keep your hemlines at an inch abovethe knee. But when wearing a short skirt or dress, wear alower heel or flat — it will balance you out and keep you fromshowing altogether too much leg.

8. Wear Flatswith Properly Hemmed ClothesMake sure your clothing is tailored or you’ll risk lookingsloppy. A trouser leg should fall at or above the ankle, whileskirts or dresses should end above the knee.

9. Think About Balance (And we’re not talking aboutthe kind you need to walk.) A thicker-heeled shoe grounds a heavilylayered look, when something dainty could look off balance. Thereverse also holds true. When wearing a wispy frock, athin-strapped sandal is an appropriate match.